Illustration of vault
- vault 1a
1
a
: an arched structure of masonry usually forming a ceiling or roof
b
: something (such as the sky) resembling a vault
c
: an arched or dome-shaped anatomical structure
the cranial vault
2
a
: a space covered by an arched structure
especially
: an underground passage or room
b
: an underground storage compartment
c
: a room or compartment for the safekeeping of valuables
3
a
: a burial chamber
b
: a prefabricated container usually of metal or concrete into which a casket is placed at burial
vaulted; vaulting; vaults
1
: to leap vigorously
especially
: to execute a leap using the hands or a pole
2
: to do or achieve something as if by a leap
vaulted to sudden prominence
: to leap over
especially
: to leap over by or as if by aid of the hands or a pole
sometimes -er/-est
Cite this Entry
“Vault.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vault. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.
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